Achilles' heel for Brady could be third quarter

CHARLES BRICKER COMMENTARY

PHOENIX — Tom Brady has thrown only 11 interceptions in 18 games this season. Five came in the third quarter.

The Patriots have failed to score in only eight of 72 quarters this season. Six of those eight were third quarters and in those six third quarters Brady completed only 40.9 percent of his passes.

That's all very interesting, but does it really have any meaning in this evening's Super Bowl between New England and the New York Giants? The answer is maybe.

You've got to be careful with statistics. Sometimes they're meaningful and indicate a trend. Sometimes they're coincidental and deceptive.

But when Tom Coughlin tries to locate some crack in the apparently impenetrable armor of the undefeated New England Patriots, he's going to examine the Patriots' worst moments.

And those worst moments have been, predominantly, in the third quarter.

It's true that Brady has had some prodigious third quarters this season as well, so it's not as if he comes out of the locker room after halftime, stiff or unready to perform every week.

And it doesn't mean New England is going to come out flat in today's third quarter. But it wouldn't be a bad time for the New York Giants to take some risks, on offense and defense.

The Patriots have won routs, and they've won tight games. They've come back from 12 points down to the Giants in Week 17, and they've warded off superior performances by Philadelphia, Baltimore and San Diego.

Now here's a litany of their vulnerable moments, none of which lasted long enough to cause a loss. Still, it wouldn't be surprising if coach Bill Belichick has strong words for his team before it comes out for the second half tonight.

Jan. 20 vs. San Diego: In the AFC Championship, Brady's throw for Donte' Stallworth is a bit wide, caroms off Stallworth's fingers and is intercepted by Drayton Florence to end New England's opening drive of the second half. For the quarter, Brady completes 4 of 7.

Dec. 23 vs. Dolphins: Pats are comfortably ahead 28-0 at halftime, but that doesn't excuse Brady's interception in the end zone to Jason Allen, again ending his opening third-quarter drive. On his next series, he's intercepted by Derrick Pope. For the quarter, Brady is 3 of 10.

Dec. 16 vs. New York Jets: Pats lead 17-7 at halftime and aren't playing near their best ball. Again, on his opening drive of the third quarter, Brady throws an interception to Darrelle Revis. He's 1 of 3 in the quarter.

Nov. 25 vs. Philadelphia: Patriots lead 24-21 at halftime and the Eagles are playing beautifully on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Brady has a 42-yard connection with Wes Welker to the Eagles' 4 in the third quarter, but Randy Moss on the next play is penalized for offensive interference, and Brady throws three incompletions from the 14 before Steve Gostkowski is wide left on a 32-yard field goal attempt. Brady is only 4 of 14 for the quarter.

Oct. 21 at Dolphins: It's the defense this time that is not prepared for the third quarter. It's 42-7 at halftime, so there's never a doubt about the game in the second half, but that makes Belichick feel only slightly better. Patriots run only six plays in the third quarter, and Brady is 3 of 4.

Oct. 7 vs. Cleveland: Patriots lead comfortably 20-0 at halftime, but three drives end with punts. Twice, the Patriots are unable to produce a first down play in the third quarter. Brady is 3 of 8.

It seems a bit ridiculous to point out a team's failings in only a handful of third quarters when it has reached the Super Bowl. But this is an 18-0 club. You've got to find a weakness somewhere on a club that, on balance, has no overall team weaknesses. Maybe this is it.